When we talk about shapes, we think about math, as it is part of the geometry; we also think about art, because all objects are in certain shapes. But have you thought about storytelling? Highlights Shapes is an app of fun stories for toddlers and preschooler that are built by shapes. What is more, these stories are interactive that kids help to create.
When kids start the app, they are welcomed to 3 stories: the jungle, the deep sea, and the space. Kids start the story by placing a circle into the position. While kids do that, they hear “Green Circle”, and the circle magically turns into a balloon with a fox sitting inside it.
Now the kids will follow the balloon carrying the fox travel through the jungle. They will come to a big tree with three round shaped outlined on the tree trunk. After kids putting 3 circle shapes to match those on the tree, the circles open up with birds inside singing. Along the journey, kids will encounter different objects of different shapes and different colors. The number of shapes of different colors will increase along the journey, but the increase is gradual and subtle. Each time, kids pick up a shape, they will hear the color and shape be spoken out clearly. Other than that, there is no words in the app, just hands on play.
The first story covers the simplest shapes and colors, like triangles, squares, circles. In the next two stories, kids will see more shapes, such as stars, hearts, octagons. When they finish all 3 stories, kids will have learned 11 shapes and 11 colors.
What I like about the app is the simple story line that is just at 2 to 5-year-old’s level. Throughout the stories, the play difficulties increase: kids will see more shapes at the same time, and there will be shapes nested inside shapes, and the colors will have different shades, but overall the activities still stay within preschoolers ability level. With the bright colors, pleasant music, easy interface, Highlights Shapes is a fun app for kids.
The app is free to download, with the first story free. You can download the next two stories via In App Purchase.
